[Original Journal, Pages 285-286.] [July, 1792.] 35', its longitude 233° 19′. The variation of the compass, differing in eight sets of azimuths from 18° 30' to 23° 53′, shewed a mean result of 20° 5′, eastwardly variation. The tides were irregular, on some days being very rapid, on others scarcely perceptible; the rise and fall, the time of high water, and other fluctuations and irregularities, I attributed, as already stated, to the influence of the winds, and the operation of other local causes on this insulated region. With a fresh breeze from the E. N. E. we directed our course to the westward, on the morning of Saturday the 28th, in order to proceed to the northward round the west end of this island. The channel through which we passed, though very unpleasant on account of the many rocks in it, is infinitely less dangerous than that to the eastward of the island, which is by no means advisable for ships to attempt. We had not been long under weigh before we were joined by the Chatham, and steered to the northward for the channel leading to Deep Sea bluff, which I called FIFE'S PASSAGE. As we crossed the main arm the squally hazy weather permitted our seeing, but very imperfectly, the several islands and rocks that it contains. About two o'clock in the afternoon, we entered Fife's passage, and found its eastern point (named by me, after Captain Duff of the royal navy, POINT DUFF) situated in latitude 50° 48′, longitude 233° 10'. A small rocky island lies off point Duff, covered with shrubs; and off the west point of this passage, named POINT GORDON, bearing N. 83 W. from point Duff, the character of a brave and gallant officer was united in the object of their sorrow, that of a good Christian.” Broughton's Archipelago of the Vancouver chart has disappeared on the British Columbia map. The largest island in the group, however, retains the name of Broughton. Fife's Passage, Point Duff, and Point Gordon. Here are three names which Vancouver gave to the headlands and the passage between them leading past the present Broughton Island into the waterway, part of which he had named Knight's Canal. All three of the names have disappeared from the recent British Columbia maps, unless the Gordon Group of Islands to the north and west are intended as a substitute for the old Point Gordon. It seems certain in selecting the names and placing them as he did Vancouver intended to [July, 1792.] [Original Journal, Pages 286-287.] are several white flat barren rocks lying at a little distance from the shore. Although the tide appeared to be in our favor, we made so little progress in this inlet, that we were compelled to anchor at five in the afternoon not more than two miles within the entrance, in 20 fathoms water, on the northern shore, near some small rocky islets. The shores that now surrounded us were not very high, composed of rugged rocks steep to the sea, in the chasms and chinks of which a great number of stunted or dwarf pine trees were produced. Some few of the natives favored us with their company, but brought little to dispose of; these were not quite so much painted as the Indians of Cheslakee's village, nor did they seem in the least acquainted with the Nootka language. On Sunday morning the 29th, about nine, we were under sail, with a light favorable breeze, sufficient to have carried us at the rate of near a league per hour; yet the ship remained stationary and ungovernable, not answering to her helm in any direction. In this very unpleasant and disagreeable situation, attributed by us to a kind of under tow, or counter tide, we continued until near dark, when a most powerful breeze springing up, we reached Deep Sea bluff, and anchored about eleven at night in a small opening on its It honor old families of English nobility which had interlocked by marriage. He makes the point that the name of Duff was given in honor of Captain Duff of the Royal Navy. That simplifies one case and helps to solve the others. Vice-Admiral Duff died in that rank in 1787 before Vancouver sailed, so he could not have been the captain referred to in 1792. But he had married, in 1764, Helen, the daughter of his cousin, the Earl of Fife. The present Duke of Fife says he is without information concerning his gallant ancestor. is known that Admiral Duff had numerous children, and one of them must have caused the names of Duff and Fife to appear on the chart of Vancouver. There is a swarm of Gordons in English history, and in trying to pick the one honored by Vancouver the effort becomes largely a matter of conjecture. In support of the above theory there is found such a name as Sir Alexander Cornewall Duff-Gordon and his famous wife, Lady Duff-Gordon. There is a long line of Scotch marquises and dukes by the name of Gordon, and it is possible that Alexander, fourth Duke of Gordon, who was living in Vancouver's day, was the man honored. [Original Journal, Pages 287-289.] [July, 1792.] western side in 70 fathoms water; having passed a more extensive one to the south of this, which took its direction to the N. W. On the next day, Monday the 30th, this appeared a very small branch of the sea; and as it was now manifest there was no certainty in confiding in appearances, directions were given that both vessels should be removed higher up near to a convenient spot for recruiting our wood and water; whilst, in the yawl, I proceeded to examine whither this arm was likely to lead. It continued about four miles from Deep Sea bluff to the north-eastward, then stretched to the westward, and terminated behind the hill under which the vessels were at anchor, about two miles to the westward of them, forming a narrow isthmus, over which we walked, and had a distinct view of the opening before mentioned, extending to the westward. Being perfectly satisfied on this head, I returned, and found the vessels at the appointed station, riding in 30 fathoms water near the western shore, conveniently situated for procuring the only supplies this dreary region seemed likely to afford. But, as tolerably secure anchorage was not on all occasions to be found, I determined the vessels should remain stationary here, whilst the boats explored the broken country before us; which promised to furnish other passages, into the great western channel we had quitted, and bore every appearance of leading to the Pacific Ocean. The Discovery's yawl, launch and cutter, were ordered to be equipped, and in readiness to depart at day-light the next morning. Mr. Broughton accompanied me, attended by lieutenant Puget in the launch, and Mr. Whidbey in the cutter. On Tuesday the 31st, at sunrise, our little squadron put off with intention of following up the continental shore, until we might find a more western passage leading to the sea; there to appoint a rendezvous for the launch and cutter, which were to continue the examination of the continental boundary, whilst we returned to conduct the vessels to the appointed station. From Deep Sea bluff, the shore of the main, across this small opening, took a direction N. 50 W. for about four |